Nama Ko

Name: Nama Ko
Address: 1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20009-4431
Telephone: (202) 815-9203
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

242 Reviews

$31 to $50

Japanese

Top tags:

Nama Ko is a Japanese-inspired restaurant and craft cocktail bar by James Beard award winning chef Michael Schlow and executive chef Derek Watson, where honored Japanese techniques and innovative twists live side by side in perfect harmony. The dinner menu includes creative appetizers and entrees, along with a full sushi offering of nigiri, sashimi, signature maki rolls & more. Check out Nama Ko's collection of Japanese whiskeys and sakes, and craft cocktails. Brunch hosts DJs, singers and live music and includes bottomless drinks, dimsum-ish appetizers and entrees. Finish your meal with Nama Ko's soft serve ice cream & desserts from pastry chef Alex Levin.

Happy hour includes gratis dishes from the kitchen!

Join us on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights for a special 10+ course tasting menu at the Omakase Bar. Seating is extremely limited. Reservations are available https://bit.ly/nama-ko-omakase.

Valet parking is now offered Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings from 5-11pm

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 25, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Creative Japanese
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 815-9203
Website
http://www.nama-ko.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Owned/operated by
Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ, Middle Eastern
Executive Chef
Derek Watson

Location
1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4431
Neighbourhood
U Street Corridor
Cross Street
14th between T/U. Valet Parking is on Thursday, Friday & Saturday night
Parking Details
Valet
Public Transit
We are located one block away from the Green line's U Street Corridor stop.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

Bottomless Drinks for $35
US$35.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Bottomless drinks are back on 14th and U St., NW with Yuzu Mimosas, Lychee Saketinis and Sakura Bellinis. Nama Ko continues to offer "Dimsumish" dishes to start, new entrees and our chef's specialty sushi rolls. We are also bringing DJs, vocalists and other musicians to perform during brunch at Nama Ko. (If you're not interested in bottomless drinks, our brunch cocktail menu is also available.)
Sushi & Cocktail Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Happy Hour features a cocktails, sushi, and food menus that are discounted to "happy hour" prices. Walk-ins and reservations are all welcome. Our food, fish and rice are of the exact same quality and type served during regular dinner hours. Matching the food and sushi, there are great cocktail and sake offerings. Come see why DC Modern Luxury named Nama Ko as DC's best Sushi experience.
Queer Burlesque Show at Bottomless Brunch $35
US$35.00 per person
Prepaid
Sept 30, 2023 only
Get ready to witness a dazzling display of Queer Burlesque- an event that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, showcasing a variety of talented, local performers from the LGBTQ+community. You'll be mesmerized by the stunning costumes, dance routine and lively music.

Popular dishes

Miso SoupUS$10.00
Home made miso soup, fresh silken tofu, shiitake mushroom, wakame, scallion.
EdamameUS$10.00
Steamed edamame, seasoned with cherry wood smoke sea salt.
ShishitoUS$12.00
Blistered shishito peppers, house made vegan 'mapo dofu' style Szechuan sauce, cripsy onion.
Shrimp TempuraUS$12.00
Double crunch tempura fried shrimp, served with a chili yuzu dipping sauce.
Hamachi SashimiUS$22.00
Fresh Japanese hamachi sliced sashimi style, served with house made yuzu ponzu, chili crunch, daikon, shiso, and micro cilantro
Pork GyozaUS$9.00
Pan seared heritage pork gyoza, served with Japanese curry sauce made from caramelized onion, sweet fuji apple, and roasted sweet potato.
Spicy Tuna TacosUS$16.00
Fresh mixed spicy tuna blend wrapped in a crispy wanton 'taco' wrapper. Finished with pickled chilis, sesame, and cilantro.
Chicken DumplingsUS$13.00
Lemongrass chicken dumplings, topped with hot oil scallion relish, house made yuzu ponzu, fish sauce, cilantro, and basil.
Broccolini GomaeUS$14.00
Char grilled broccolini, sweet and rich sesame miso dressing, crispy shallot.
Avocado TempuraUS$13.00
Tempura fried avocado, warm and creamy avocado in a crisp tempura batter. Served with smokey pickled vegetables, wasabi aioli, and sweet and tangy Nanban or 'Barbarian' style sauce.
Kani CroquetteUS$15.00
Crispy crab croquette, stuffed with fresh Maryland blue crab. Served with Aji Amarillo aioli, scallion, and togarashi.
Fire EntreeUS$0.00
Fried RiceUS$22.00

Chef's Selection Sushi Omakase

Chef's Selection Sushi Omakase - 8 pc NigiriUS$55.00
Chef's Selection Sushi Omakase - 10 pc SashimiUS$75.00

Sushi & Sashimi

MaguroUS$7.00
bluefin tuna
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
Chu-ToroUS$9.00
medium fatty bluefin tuna belly
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
O-ToroUS$12.00
Extra fatty blue fin tuna belly
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
HamachiUS$6.00
Fresh yelllowtail
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
Hamachi ToroUS$8.00
Fresh yellowtail belly
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
SakeUS$5.00
Ora king salmon
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
Sake ToroUS$8.00
Ora king salmon belly
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
Uni (CA)US$9.00
Sea urchin
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
Uni (Japan)US$14.00
Japanese sea urchin
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
Botan EbiUS$6.00
Sweet Japanese shrimp
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
EbiUS$5.00
Cooked sweet shrimp
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
IkuraUS$5.00
Salmon roe
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
TobikoUS$5.00
Flying fish roe
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
HotateUS$6.00
Japanese scallop
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
MadaiUS$7.00
Japanese sea bream
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
UnagiUS$5.00
BBQ eel
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
HokkigaiUS$5.00
Red surf clam
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00
Side of RiceUS$5.00
Koshihikari sushi rice
- NigiriUS$0.00
- SashimiUS$4.00

Signature Maki Rolls

Almost ParadiseUS$20.00
spicy tuna, avocado, spicy mango sauce, tempura flakes
Candy CaneUS$23.00
shrimp tempura, avocado, tuna, yellowtail apple, jalapeno, tobiko
DebutanteUS$18.00
cucumber, asparagus, avocado, tempura bits, eel sauce, black tobiko
Orange CrushUS$19.00
salmon, cucumber, aji amarillo, jalapeño, ikura, masago arare
Flamingo RoyaleUS$24.00
torched kind salmon, shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, ponzu, sweet onion dressing
NamasteUS$23.00
maryland crab, spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, crunchy sweet potato
Pink LadyUS$22.00
tuna, avocado, salmon, soy paper
Rainbow RollUS$23.00
maryland crab, tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp
Vegetarian RollUS$14.00
avocado, cucumber, asparagus, carrots, shiso, kanpyo, daikon
Big KahunaUS$26.00

Classic Rolls

Classic Tuna, Avocado, Cucumber RollUS$14.00
Fresh tuna, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber
Spicy Tuna and Avocado RollUS$14.00
Spicy mixed tuna roll with creamy avocado
Yellowtail, Spicy Aioli, Green Onion RollUS$13.00
Fresh yellowtail, spicy aioli, scallion
Salmon Skin, Cucumber, Tempura, Ikura RollUS$12.00
Crispy salmon skin, fresh cucumber, tempura crunch, and marinated ikura.
Florida Roll - Tuna, Fresh Crab, AvocadoUS$14.00
Tuna, Fresh Crab, Avocado
Crunchy Shrimp Tempura, Avocado RollUS$16.00
Crispy fried shrimp tempura, creamy avocado.
Spicy Salmon, Shiso, & Jalapeño RollUS$12.00
Fresh mixed spicy salmon, aromatic Japanese shiso, green jalapeno.
Salmon and AvocadoUS$12.00
Fresh salmon and creamy avocado
Scallop, Spicy Aioli, Tobiko, Tempura RollUS$12.00
Fresh Japanese scallop, house made spicy mayo, tobiko, and tempura crunch.
Eel, Cucumber RollUS$12.00
Classic sweet and savory eel with crisp and refreshing cucumber.
Cucumber RollUS$10.00
Avocado RollUS$10.00

Soft Drinks

Coca Cola - CanUS$3.00
Diet Coke - CanUS$3.00
Ginger Ale - CanUS$3.00
Sprite - CanUS$3.00

What 242 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Japanese

242 Reviews

M
Mark
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome food and drink. Will definitely come again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience4
-Server could be more attentive -Wife kept looking for our server at times -An expensive brunch option -Dumplings were delicious but server forgot to bring soy sauce with sushi -Selling American burger in a Japanese restaurant, not cool! -All in all when you go to these kinda places, you expect A+++ service.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience2
Was very excited to visit Nama Ko for restaurant week and it was a complete disappointment. Spent close to $300 for 2 people and sad to say the ambiance of the restaurant was underwhelming. 1) Unhygienic: The server had a cloth bandaid wrapped around her wrist due to open cut, which was almost in contact with ever plate which certainly violates health code. 2) Dark and Loud: The restaurant ambiance was too dark to a point where we could not see the menu and dish presentations. The music in the restaurant felt more like a local pub where it was too loud to hold a conversation and to track this from dining experience. 3) Overpriced and Poor Food Quality: I don’t mind spending on meals but I do mind when I know I am spending more than I should for a meal. Bought 2 Restaurant Week set menus, Uni Nigiri, Pink Lady Roll and Asahi Beer. Only thing that was good was the beer. Would not recommend and definitely will not return to this restaurant.
1 person found this helpful
F
Francophile
Washington DC
81 reviews
vip
5.0
81 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
went during - but not for - restaurant week. Great deal: 4 course meal = $55. 1 course was dessert (homemade soft-serve ice cream, and it was really delish. They did not skimp on portions like other restaurants during the promo week. I only wish they did this special on a slow weeknigh, like monday, tues, weds.
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HG
HollyGoldfinch
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
had a nice time here. fish was good and so were the desserts!
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S
Steph
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chef and Aziz are wonderful! We can’t wait to come back.
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DG
DonovanGarrett
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nama Ko is always an excellent experience with exceptional customer service and premium grade sushi. Short of traveling directly to Japan, you can tell they bid for the highest quality fish at the local markets. Typically, I’ll spend $75-$150 depending on the amount of food/drinks combined. I bring so many people there, they oftentimes throw in a freebie here or there. Well worth it!
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J
John
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great (went for restaurant week 2023) and the service was absolutely fantastic and classy! They made my fiance and I feel so special for our engagement :) Jose was amazing and the manager even congratulated us too! It was honestly such an incredible night of great food and we wanted to be friends with the waiter after.
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WW
WWWJI
Washington DC
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Decent food good location. However the service was bad, my main server visited my table two times until I got the check. I had to seek for a help from other servers.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Delicious! Very interesting and different experience !
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LM
LarryM
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food & service were great. Prices would probably limit our visits to special occasions.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience5
Food was amazing! It’s a shame the service was really poor. Took 20 minutes to talk to our server, longer to get our first drinks, over two hours to get through our meal.
1 person found this helpful
E
Emily
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience3
Terrible service. Decent food. Many restaurant week menu options only available for additional charge.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved it! Would definitely recommend. Food was amazing
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DP
DeniseP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had such a nice time and the food was absolutely fantastic!
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k
kashfiay
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Our server was amazing, the drinks were delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed the dim sum dishes. The chicken and waffle was my least favorite, the chicken was very dry to the point it was hard to cut. The crab Arancini was the best part of the meal.
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BK
BKP1
Washington DC
40 reviews
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We sat at the sushi bar for dinner. Everything was great. Fresh fish and good flavors for the rolls we ordered. I will definitely be back again for dinner.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great experience, it’s a little expensive, especially if you get sashimi, but still good. Drinks and sushi rolls are delicious. Would go again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
Service and drinks were outstanding. Food was very underwhelming across the board, especially for the price. Mediocre sushi rolls at best.
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S
Stephen
Washington DC
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience3
DJ playing for brunch was too loud, requiring us to yell across the table. This was despite his being asked to reduce the sound level. Would go back for dinner but not for brunch.
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BO
BizeOne
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious Food and Excellent Service - need I say more.
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KV
KateV
Detroit
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
best brunch in the city, with breakfast bao buns and amazing drinks!! yuzu mimosa is a must have
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly & the food was great. Will return
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food that’s incredibly fresh. Excellent service.
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CS
CrazySushi
Los Angeles
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
The ambience is very trendy and unique, and their photos and advertisements are appealing for sure. It's what drew us to explore this restaurant. However, when my girlfriend and I went to Brunch back on 7/2/23, we were very disappointed. Most of the dishes on the menu include spicy condiments such as togarashi (Japanese spice), which we thought was used to cover up the blandness of the food. Portion sizes were decent, but what's the point if the food isn't any good? The only dish we enjoyed was the Kobe Burger, and that was the least Japanese item on the menu. Their rainbow roll had barely any fish on it and was pretty standard. Looks well rolled but nothing special for $23.00. I can see they're trying to make Japanese fusion food, but as the Japanese typically say, less is more. Instead of adding a bunch of sauce and pizazz on your dishes, focus on cooking the food properly and season food well. There is also a 5% wage adjustment (some DC thing) added to your bill, which is in addition to tax and tip. This may be a DC restaurant standard but it is something to consider. I may want to try the more traditional items on the menu next go-around, but given the brunch experience, we have serious doubts about how good it'll be. There are many other Japanese restaurants in DC to explore, I would give this a hard pass.
1 person found this helpful
SB
SBasn
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
They took 25 mins to get our order but then constantly tried to rush us out and claimed we had 90 min limit when we paid for bottomless
1 person found this helpful
p
pixelww
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Yum. The sushi is deeeeelish, I could have easily eaten more as all of the options are so good.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The owner, bartender and chefs provided my friend and I with a memorable dining experience. Great food, service, and ambience!
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FM
FoodMatters2me
Washington DC
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've been avoiding writing this review because once I do, Namako will no longer be my easily accessible spot. Everything, including the attentive and elusive staff (they drop dishes btwn your blinks) is on point! The sushi, the miso soup, the entrees, their unique taco on a taco, the drinks, and their desserts, ... Just everything. It's literally my jam (i hum silently while eating their food every time). Well, now you know so cheers!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Menu seemed to be a bit limited compared to what was shown online the day I went. The atmosphere and service is great but food is mediocre. Quality of food seems to be on par with the rest of DC as of late unfortunately.
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S
Sicangu
Washington DC
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food is high quality and very well prepared. We enjoyed our dinner and will definitely go back soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Our server Brian was amazing! Food was delicious and reasonable priced
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A
Alic
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service here is incredible. Noah is the best server I’ve ever had. Incredible knowledge of the menu .
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PB
PeytonB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Service was fantastic! Our server Brian was very knowledgable about the menu and really helped shape our experience. The bartender Freddy made us some really killer drinks, the first drink I got was the Smoky Corner and they even were able to make it spicy for me which I absolutely loved. Overall it was a great experience
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M
Mandy
Washington DC
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have now been to Nama Ko twice, and totally recommend it. The service was excellent, the sushi was so good, and the drinks were great as well. Everyone that worked there was warm and friendly, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nama Ko is a delight. The food is substantially better than in the surrounding 14th St restaurants and service is above and beyond.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious, a diverse and fun menu. Service was fabulous! Unfortunately we forgot the name of the young lady that waited on our table. She was phenomenal! Attentive, jovial and welcoming. Couldn’t have asked for a better service. Way to rep Nama Ko!
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ST
SamT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The brunch was excellent. I enjoyed the karaage chicken and waffles, and the rest of my party also enjoyed their meals. I would 100% recommend it!
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M
Milano
Washington DC
400 reviews
vip
3.0
400 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
Disappointed - but will return to give them another shot
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We absolutely loved Nama Ko. The ambiance was great. The food was amazing and our server Brian was awesome. We will definitely be back!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Nama Ko using the Order Online button. Nama Ko also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 815-9203.

Nama Ko is rated 4.5 stars by 242 OpenTable diners.

Nama Ko does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.